Monthly Archives: June 2012

June 13, 2012- In June of 1889, Andrew Carnegie published his essay "Wealth" in the North American Review: a famous document, as remarkable for the author’s delusional self-regard as it is for the case he makes for private philanthropy. The steel baron launched his argument with the dumbfounding claim that until "the past few hundred years [of human history] there was little difference between the dwelling, dress, food, environment of the chief and those of his retainers." He then sails blithely along to insist that we should all welcome the changes in society that make violent wealth inequality inevitable, because the benefits of wealth must inevitably trickle down to the least fortunate, etc., an assertion that many of later generations have come to view with a certain skepticism.

June 11, 2012- Gov. Scott Walker's call for a bipartisan "brat summit" is being met with its first boycotts.

State Rep. Steve Nass, one of Walker's fellow Republicans from Whitewater, said he would not show up at Tuesday's event at the governor's mansion because he didn't like recent comments from two prominent Democrats.

“Despite the voters of Wisconsin clearly signaling support for balancing the state budget without tax increases and controlling government expenditures, Democratic leaders continue their offensive comments and threats of legislative chaos," Nass said in a statement Monday. "We encourage our children to stand up to bullies. That’s exactly what must happen in the Legislature."

Walker called for lawmakers from both parties to get together at his house after he won last week's recall election. It was meant to foster better relationships after a year and a half of deep divisions in the state.

June 6, 2012- At 2 a.m., Racine County posted full results online, supporting former Sen. John Lehman victory declaration at his election night party. Sen. Van Wanggaard, who was facing recall, sent everyone home an hour before Lehman's announcement.

Former Sen. John Lehman was the only Democrat on the recall ballots to declare victory.

At 12:53 a.m., he dedicated his victory to all the hard work and hours of service from volunteers who led the recall efforts in the 21st Senate District, where they went after Sen. Van Wanggaard, who had defeated Lehman in November 2010.

Lehman's closing remarks weren't all that different from the first time he spoke to supporters after his arrival around 9:30 pm at the Racine Labor Center.

"You worked so hard in the best interest of Wisconsin and for Racine County, not just for yourselves," he said. "Let's all take a little breather, take a little time with our families, who have supported us in our efforts, but then let's come back strong for the November elections."

June 5, 2012- MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin’s fierce and emotional recall battle for governor appeared headed for a possible photo finish Tuesday as voters swarmed the polls after Republicans and Democrats warned turnout would be crucial.

“I think we're having presidential turnout,” said Kenosha County Clerk Mary Schuch-Krebs as she watched voters flood the polls to choose between retaining Republican Scott Walker as governor or replacing him with Democrat Tom Barrett.

Across the state, election officials reported long lines at the polls, bringing to a close a race that transformed Wisconsin into a symbol of political polarization just months before a sharply divided national electorate votes for president.

This was only the third time in U.S. history that any state has voted on whether to recall its governor. Tuesday’s battle was effectively a redo of the 2010 race for governor between Walker and Barrett, which Walker won by 5 percentage points.